Apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string or the like

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing one or more small diameter conduits to a larger diameter tubing string in an oil well and comprising a metal band encircling the tubing string and the conduit with a wedge-type lock for securing the opposite ends of the band together thereby securing the conduit to the tubing string. One or more conduit receiving corrugations are formed in the band. In one form, the apparatus includes a rubber liner interposed between the band and the tubing string. In another form, dimples are formed in the band to engage the tubing string. In yet another form, the band is divided into two segments connected by a hinge. In still another form, two separate band segments are connected by two wedge-type locks.

[ Sept. 11, I973 1 APPARATUS FOR SECURING SMALL DIAMETER CONDUIT TO A LARGER DIAMETER TUBING STRING OR THE LIKE [75] Inventors: Roy E. Bush; I-Iarold R. Beattie, both of New Orleans, La.

Continental Oil Company, Ponca City, Okla.

[22] Filed: Dec. 17, 1971 [2]] Appl. No.: 209,292

[73] Assignee:

[52] US. Cl. 24/81 CC, 24/25, 24/268 [51 1 Int. Cl 86511 63/08 [58] Field of Search 24/263 DM, 268, 81 CC,

3,002,241 10/1961 Scurlock 24/81 CC 3,083,773 4/1963 Nagel et a1 24/249 PC UX 3,350,755 11/1967 Hanner 24/268 UX FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 464,609 1/1914 France 24/268 1,016,864 9/1952 France 248/61 Primary Examiner-Donald A. Griffin Att0rneyJoseph C. Kotarski et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for securing one or more small diameter conduits to a larger diameter tubing string in an oil well and comprising a metal band encircling the tubing string and the conduit with a wedge-type lock for securing the opposite ends of the band together thereby securing the conduit to the tubing string. One or more conduit receiving corrugations are formed in the band. In one form, the apparatus includes a rubber liner interposed between the band and the tubing string. In another form, dimples are formed in the band to engage the tubing string. In yet another form, the band is divided into two segments connected by a hinge. In still another form, two separate band segments are connected by two wedge-type locks.

13 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 84,772 12/1868 Shannon 16/168 544,943 8/1895 Woodside 24/25 UX 719,817 2/1903 Kunze 24/25 1,429,353 9/1922 Karsky..... 16/168 UX 2,303,108 11/1942 Blackburn... 248/61 2,394,240 2/1946 Harrison 248/68 2,858,093 10/1958 Knoll 24/81 CC X 2,922,212 1/1960 Textrom 24/268 PATENTED SEP] 1 I973 sum 1 or 5 APPARATUS FOR SECURING SMALL DIAMETER CONDUIT TO A LARGER DIAMETER TUBING STRING OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to improvements in tubing clamps, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to clamps for securing one or more small diameter conduits to a larger diameter tubing string for positioning down hole in an oil well in a turbulent environment.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the oil industry it is often necessary to attach small diameter tubing or control cables to a regular string of tubing which is run to some depth in either a hole or a casing placed in a hole in an oil well. The purpose of these small diameter tubing strings or control cables is to provide a conduit through which an operator or control system can activate valves or pumps which are down hole some great distance. a

In the past, known forms of clamps have proved insufficient in strength to withstand the drag or strainimposed on them as the tubing strings were lowered into or raised from an oil well. In many cases when two or more tubing strings are emplaced in the casing of an oil well, the movement of one tubing string relative to another often causes the clamps on adjacent tubing strings to inadvertently engage one another thereby causing breakage, stretching or other damage to the conduits secured thereby to the tubing strings. Such damage often requires that the entire tubing string carrying the damaged conduit be pulled from the oil well to repair the damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates a novel apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string or the like comprising a band having a first end and a second end and encircling and tubing string with the first end adjacent to the second end thereof. First connecting means is formed on the first end of the band for connecting the first end to .the'secnd end of said band; and second connecting means is formed on-the second end of the band for connecting the second end to the first end of the band. Locking means engageable with the first and second connecting meansis provided for urging the first and second connecting'means relatively together and locking the band securely to the tubing string. Conduit receiving means is formed in the band for receiving the conduit between the band and tubing string whereby the'conduit is secured to thetubing string when the locking means islocking he band securely to the tubing string.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string for emplacement down hole in an oil well.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string which has sufficient strength to withstand drag or strain as the tubing string is raised or lowered in an oil well.

A furtherobject of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string which may be readily installed or removed from the tubing string with a minimum of manual effort.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing a small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string which minimizes the possiblity of the apparatus interfering with or being interfered with by adjacent tubing strings in a common oil well casing environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string which is economical in construction and operation.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view ilustrating two tubing strings disposed in a common oil well casing and showing conduits secured thereto, portions of the casing being broken away for clarity of presentation.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical elevational view of a tubing string with a conduit secured thereto while being continuously fed by a storage reel.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention installed on a tubing string.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the locking pin of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an end view-of the locking pin of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the locking pin of FIG. 5 taken along line 77 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention installed on a tubing string.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 and illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 l is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4'and illustrating still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another embodient of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 and illustrating yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention installed on a tubing string.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-48 of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in particular, the apparatus of the present invention is generally designated by the reference character 20. FIG. 1 illustrates the installation of a plurality of apparatus 20 on a pair of tubing strings 22 which extend downwardly into an oil well 24 in the ground 26. The tubing strings 22 are shown encircled by a casing 28, the lower portion of which is shown broken away for clarity of presentation. Each tubing string 22 comprises one or more tubes 30 of convenient length and conventional construction which are connected end to end by means of a conventional tubing joint 32.

A control device 34 is shown in FIG. I installed on the lowermost tube 30 of each tubing string 22 and may be a valve, pump or storm choke or the like as may be required. A conduit 36 extends from a point above the oil well opening downwardly along each tubing string 22 to a point of connection with a respective control device 34. The conduit 36 may be in the form of copper tubing or the like to provide a hydraulic connection to the control device if desired. The conduit 36 may also be in the form of an electrical conductor for providing electrical actuation to the control device 34 from a source above the ground. As may be seen in FIG. 1 each conduit 36 is preferably secured to the respective tubing string 22 by an apparatus 20 above and below each tubing joint 32.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the apparatus 20 installed on a tube 30 of a tubing string 22. The apparatus 20 comprises a metallic band 38, preferably formed of relatively thin gauge sheet steel, which encircles the tube 30. A pair of corrugations or grooves 40 are formed in the band 38 and are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 30. Each corrugation 40 is sized and shaped to receive a conduit 36 between the band 38 and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30. A liner 44 is interposed between the band 38 and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduit 36 and is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other appropriate synthetic resin. The liner 44 may be applied to the band 38 by-a process such asdip-coating, or may be m the form of a separate sleeve sized to encircle the tube 30 and each conduit 36 as shown in FIG. 4. V

Lugs 46, 48, 50 and 52 are fixedly secured in space I relation along the first end portion 54 of the band 38.

Lugs 56, 58, 60, and 62 are fixedly secured in spaced relation along the second end portion 64 of the'band 38. A first keeper plate 66 is fixedly secured to the first end portion 54 of the band 38 and to the lugs 46 and 48 by means of four rivets 68. A second keeper plate 70 is fixedly secured to the first end portion 54 of the band 38 and tothe lugs 50 and 52 by means of four rivets 68. A third keeper plate 72 is fixedly secured to the second end portion 64 of the band 38 by means of four rivets 68. A fourth keeper plate 74 is fixedly secured to the second end portion 64 of the band 38 by means of four rivets 68. As shown in FIG. 4, the rivets 68 typically extend through the respective keeper plate 74, the U-shaped end portion 64 of the band 38, the lug 60, and a reinforcing backing plate 76. It will be readily understood by one skilled-in the art that this method of construction is typical for each of the above-mentioned lugs and keeper plates and therefore need not be explained in detail for each lug.

A pair of identically shaped locking pins or keys 78 and 80 are utilized to secure the apparatus 20 rigidly to the tube 30. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate in detail the conis identical to the locking pin 80. The locking pins '78 and 80 each comprise a U-shaped stamped steel member having a head portion 82 with an aperture 84 formed therein and legs 86 and 88 extending downwardly from the head portion 82 as viewed in FIG. 5. The inner portions 90 and 92 of the legs 86 and 88 respectively are angled upwardly and slightly inwardly toward one another as viewed in FIG. 5. An inwardly extending lip 94 is formed on the inner surface 90 for purposes which will be described hereinafter. It will be observed that the angular relationship described for the surfaces 90 and 92 is substantially identical to the angular orientation of the previously described lugs which are secured to the opposite end portions of the band 38.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, when installed on the apparatus 20 the inner surface 90 of the locking pin 78 engages the lugs 46 and 48 thereby urging them and the first end portion 54 of the band 38 to the right as viewed in FIG. 3. The inner surface 92 of the locking pin 78 engages the lugs 60 and 62 thereby urging them and the second end portion 64 of the band 38 to the left as viewed in FIG. 3. Likewise, the inner surface 90 of the locking pin 80 engages the lugs 56 and 58 and urges them, and the second end portion 64 of the band 38, to the left as viewed in FIG. .3, while the inner surface 92 engages the lugs and 52 and urges them and the first end portion 64 of the band 38 to the right. It will be readily apparent that the locking pin 78 is placed in proper position by sliding it downwardly to progressively engage the lugs 46, 48, 60 and 62, while the locking pin 80 is moved upwardly to engage the lugs 50, 52, 56 and 58. When the locking pins 78 and 80 are each fully seated and the apparatus 20 is securely fastened to the tube 30, as shown in FIG. 3, the lip 94 of the locking pin 78 engages the lug 46 while the lip 94 of the locking pin 80 engages the lug 56 thereby securely retaining the lugs 78 and 80 in proper position.

The apertures 84 formed in the locking pins 78 and 80 are provided to facilitate the extraction of the lock- 1 ing pins for removal of the apparatus 20 from the tube 30. The head portion 82 of each locking pin is preferably provided with a rounded contour as shown in FIGS.

' 5, 6 and 7 to provide a smooth blending of the surface rugations 40 in the band 38, as best shown in FIG. 4,

struction of the locking pin 78 which, as noted above, 7

provides optimum smoothness of contour between the band 38 and the legs 86 and 88 of the locking pins 78 and 80. It may, however, be desirable, in certain applications, to position corrugations elsewhere in the band 38 or to provide one or more corrugations in addition to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 3, 4,

5, 6 AND 7 Typically, the apparatus 20 is installed when a tubing string 22 is to be emplaced in an oil well as shown in FIG. 1. One end of each conduit 36 is connected to a respective control device 34, such as a storm choke. A band 38 is then placed around the tube 30 and over the conduits 36 with the liner 44 separating the band 38 therefrom. The locking pin 78 is then slid downwardly over the lugs 46, 48, 60 and 62 while the locking pin 80 is slide upwardly over lugs 50, 52, 56 and 58. The locking pins 78 and 80 are then forced together by appropriate means thereby drawing the first end portion 54 and the second portion 64 of the band 38 together by wedging action thereby clamping the band 38 about the tube 30 and the conduits 36.

Each conduit 36 may be stored on a suitable storage reel 96, as shown in FIG. 2, which dispenses additional lengths of conduit 36 as each tube 30 of the tubing string 22 is emplaced in the oil well. As each new length of tube 30 is secured to the tube 30 next below, the conduits 36 are preferably secured to the tubing string 22 by an apparatus just below the tubing joint 32 and just above the tubing joint 32 as shown in FIG. 2. This procedure is followed for each successive tubing joint 32 as the tubing string 22 is lowered down hole. In the event that one or more of the corugations 40 will not be utilized to secure a conduit 36, the upper and lower portions of the corrugations 40 may be flattened against the tube 30 to minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent tubing strings 22.

Upon removal of a tubing string 22 the two apparatus 20 installed on each side of a tubing joint 32 are both removed before the tubing joint 32 is separated for removal of the uppermost tube 30. The removal of each apparatus'20 is accomplished by pulling the locking pins 78 and 80 apart by appropriate means thereby releasing the lugs 46, 48, 50, 52, 56,58, 60 and 62 thus releasing theband 38 which may then be removed from the tube 30v along with the liner 44. The conduits 36 are conveniently storedon appropriate storage reels 96 as the tubing string 22 is withdrawn from the oil well.

In the preferred form, the apparatus of the present invention would be utilized to clamp from oneto four conduits to a tubing string, however, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that virtually any number of conduits may be clamped by the apparatus within reasonable limits of tubing and conduit diameters. It will further be readily apparent that the apparatus of the present invention is suitable for securing other items to a tubing string such as patches probes,

instruments, electrodes, explosive charges, etc. It should be further noted that the apparatus of the present invention may f nd additional application in the DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT of FIGS. 8 AND. 9 i v 4 Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown another embodiment of the'present invention which is generallydesignated by the reference character 100. The apparatus 100 is installed on a tube 30 of a tubing string 22 and preferablyv comprises a metallic band 102, preferably formed of relatively thin guage sheet steel, which'encircles the tube 30. A liner 104 is interposed between the band 102 and the outer periphery '42 of thetube 30 and the-conduits36, and is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other suitable synthetic resin. The liner 104 may be applied to the band 102 by aprocess such as dipcoating, or may be in the form of a separatesleeve sized to encircle the tube 30 and each conduit 36 as shown in FIG. 9. As also shown in FIG. 9, the band 102 is suitably formed at 106 and 108 to securely receive the respective conduits 36 with the liner 104 interposed therebetween.

A first locking bracket 110 is fixedly fixed secured to the first end portion 112 of the band 102 by means of four rivets 114. The rivets 114 extend through the first locking bracket 110, the first end portion 112 of the band 102 and a spacer 116. Similarly, a second locking racket 118 is fixedly secured to the second end portion 120 of the band 102 by means of four rivets 122. The rivets 122 extend through the second locking bracket 118, the second end portion 120 of the band 102, and a spacer 124.

The first locking bracket 110 includes pin-engaging loops 126, 128, and 130. The second locking bracket 118 includes pin-engaging loops 132, 134 and 136 which mesh with the pin-engaging loops of the first locking bracket 110.

A locking pin or key 138, comprising a head portion 140 with an aperture 142 formed therein and a tapered leg 144 extending from the head portion 140, is utilized to lock the apparatus 100 to the tube 30. When properly installed, the leg 144 of the locking pin 138 extends downwardly through the pin-engaging loops 132, 126, 134, 128, 136 and 130. The edges 146 and 148 of the tapered leg 144 are tapered upwardly and outwardly as viewed in FIG. 8. It is, therefore, readily apparent that as the locking pin 138 is inserted downwardly through the above-mentioned pin-engaging loops, the first and second end portions 112 and 120 of the bond 102 are drawn together by wedging action thereby rigidly securing the apparatus 100 to the tube 30. When the locking pin 138 is fully inserted into the pin-engaging loops, an outwardly extending lip 150, formed on the edge 148 of the leg 144,,engages the lower portion of pin-engaging loop 126 thereby releasibly securing the locking pin 138 in proper locking position.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled intheart that the inner portions of the pin-engaging loops of the apparatus 100 will be preferably formed along a line substantially conforming to the taper of the respective edge of the leg 144 against which they will bear. It is also preferable that the head portion 140 of the locking pin 138 be shaped with a rounded contour to provide a smooth blending of the surfaceof the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30' into the apparatus 100 to minimize interference with adjacent tubing strings within the oil 'well during removal or insertion thereof. Itshould also.

be noted that the shape of the band 102 at,106 and 108 provides optimum smoothness of contour between the band 102 and the remainder of theapparatus 100 including the locking pin 13s. v H

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 8 AND 9 on the first locking bracket 110 and the secondlocking bracket 118 to draw the band 102 into rigid engagement with the tube 30 by wedging action thereby securing the conduits 36 to the tube 30.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 10

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which the apparatus 20 as shown in FIG. 4 is slightly modified and is generally designated by the reference character 20a. The apparatus 20a is substantially identical to the apparatus 20 except that it is adapted to accommodate two additional conduits 36 and is provided with a hinge connection 152 in the slightly modified band 38a for facilitating the installation of the apparatus 20a on a tube 30 of a tubing string 22.

The band 38a has a first hinge portion 154 and a second hinge portion 156 formed thereon. The hinge portions 154 and 156 are interconnected by a hinge pin 158 of conventional design. The first hinge portion 154 comprises a plurality of hinge loops which extend around the hinge pin 158 at spaced intervals, the hinge loops 160 being fixedly secured to the bond 38a by means of a plurality of rivets 162 (one shown) which extend through the band 38a and three spacers 164. The second hinge portion 154 comprises a plurality of hinge loops 166 which engage the hinge pin 158 in spaced relation alternating with the hinge loops 160. The hinge loop 166 are rigidly secured to the band 38a by means of a plurality of rivets 168 (one shown) which extend through the second hinge portion 156 and three spacers 170.

The band 38a is formed at 172 and 174 to receive conduits 36 with a slightly modified resilient liner 44a between the band 38a and the two additional conduits 36 to rigidly secure the conduits 36 to the tube 30 when the apparatus 20a is installed.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 10

The operation of the apparatus 20a is substantially identical to the operation of the previously described apparatus 20 with the exception that the slightly moditied band 38a may be opened by pivoting the band 38a about the hinge pin 158 at the hinge 152. It should also be noted that the apparatus 20a is capable of simultaneously clamping four conduits 36 to a tube 30 of a tubing string 22 in the same manner as previously described for the apparatus 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 11

The apparatus of FIG. 11 is. generally designated by the reference character 20b and comprises components substantially identical to those of the apparatus 20 disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4. Since the apparatus 20b and the apparatus20 are substantially identical, many of the reference characters will be the same.

The apparatus 20b differs from the previouslydescribed apparatus 20 in that the previously-described band 38 is separated into two band segments 38b and 38, each of which extends substantially halfway around the tube 30 of a tubing string 22. The band 38b has a pair of corrugations 40b formed therein which are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 30. Likewise, the band segment 380 has a pair of corrugations 400 formed therein which are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube 30. The corrugations 40b and 400 are each sized and shaped to receive a conduit 36 between the respective band segment 38b and 380 and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30. A liner segment 44b is interposed between the band segment 38b and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36 which are received in the corrugations 40b. A liner segment 44c is interposed between the band segment 38c and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36 which are received in the corrugations 400. The liner segments 44b and 440 are preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other appropriate synthetic resin. The liner segments 44b and 440 may be aPplied to the band segments 38b and 38c, respectively, by a process such as dip-coating, or may be in the form of separate sleeve segments sized to partially encircle the tube 30 and each conduit 36 as shown in FIG. 11.

The end portion 54b of band segment 38b and the end portion 640 of band segment 38c are interconnected by means of the previously-described locking device of the apparatus 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Similarly, the end portion 54c of band segment 38c and the end portion 64b of band segment 38b are interconnected by means of the previosuly-described locking device of apparatus 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Since the locking device of apparatus 20 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is described in great detail above, it will not be described here.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 11

The operation of the apparatus 20b is substantially as described for the apparatus 20 with the exception that when applying apparatus 20b, the two band segments 38b and 38c are simultaneously positioned on the tube 30 with the conduits 36 disposed in the corrugations 40b and 40c with the liner segments 44b and 440 interposed between the respective band segments 38b and 380 and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36. The end portions 54b and 640 and the end portions 540 and 64b of the band segments 38b and 380 are then secured together by means of the two sets of locking pins 78 and 80 in a manner identical to that described above for the apparatus 20. It is readily apparent that the apparatus 20b is capable of securing up to four conduits 36 to a tube 30 of a tubing string 22.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 12

Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the present invention is shown which is generally designated by the reference character 180. The apparatus is installed on a tube 30 of a tubing string 22 and preferablycomprises a metallic band 182, preferably formed of relatively thin gauge 'sheet steel, whichenc'ir cles the tube 30. A liner 184 is interposedbetween the band 182 and the outerperiphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36, and is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other suitable synthetic resin. The liner 184 may be applied to the band 182 by a process such as dip-coating, or may be in the form of a separate sleeve sized to encircle the tube 30 at each conduit 36 carried by the tube 30. The band 182 is suitably formed at 186 and 188 to securely receive the respective conduits 36 with the liner 184 interposed therebetween.

A first locking bracket 190 is fixedly secured to the first end portion 192 of the band 182 by means of four rivets 194. The rivets 194 extend through the first looking bracket 190, the first end portion 192 of the band 182, and a spacer 196. Similarly, a second locking bracket 198 is fixedly secured to the second end portion 200 of the band 182 by means of four rivets 202. The rivets 202 extend through the second locking bracket 198, the second end portion 200 of the band 182, and a spacer 204.

The first locking bracket 190 includes pin-engaging loops 206, 208 and 210. The second locking bracket 198 includes pin-engaging loops 212, 214 and 216 which mesh with the pin-engaging loops of the first locking bracket 190.

A pair of identically shaped locking pins or keys 218 and 220 are utilized to secure the apparatus 180 rigidly to the tube 30. Each of the locking pins 218 and 220 comprises a head portion 222 with an aperture 224 formed therein and a tapered leg 226 which extends from the head portion 222. When properly installed, the leg 226 of the locking pin 218 extends downwardly through the pin-engaging loops 212, 206, and 214, and the leg 226 of the locking pin 220 extends upwardly through the pin-engaging loops 210, 216, and 208. The edges 228 and 230 of each tapered leg 226 are tapered slightly inwardly as they extend away from the head portion 222 of each locking pin 218 and 220. It is, therefore, readily apparent that as the locking pin 218 is inserted downwardly, and the locking pin 220 is inserted upwardly, through the above-mentioned pinengaging loops, the first and second end portions 192 and 200 of the band 182 are drawn together by wedging action thereby rigidly securing the apparatus 180 to the tube 30. When the locking pin 218 is fully inserted into the pin-engaging loops, an outwardly extending lip 232 formed on the edge 230 of the leg 226 engages the lower portion of the pin-engaging loop 206 thereby releasibly securing the locking pin 218 in proper locking position. Similarly, when locking pin 220 is fully inserted into the pin-engaging loops, the outwardly extending lip 232 formed on the edge 230 of the leg 226 engages the upper portion of pin-engaging loop 216 thereby releasibly securing the locking pin 220 in proper locking position.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the inner portions of the pin-engaging loops of the apparatus 180 will be preferably formed along a line substantially conforming to the taper of the respective edge of the leg226 against which each will bear. It is also preferable that the head portion 222 of each locking pin 218 and 220 be shaped with a rounded contour to provide a smooth blendingof the surface of the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 into the apparatus 180 to minimize interference with adjacent tubing strings within the oil well during removal or insertion thereof.

It should be also noted that the shape 'ofthe band 'l82 at 186 and 188 provides. optimum smoothness of con tour between the'band 182 and the remainder of the apparatus 180 including the lockin'g'pins 218 and 220. OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT F FIG/12 the pin-engaging loops formed on the first and second locking brackets 190 and '198 to draw the band 182 into rigid engagement with the tube 30 by wedging action thereby securing the conduits 36 to the tube 30.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 13

The apparatus of FIG. 13is generally designated by the reference character 180a and comprises components substantially identical to those of the apparatus lid 180 disclosed in FIG. 12. Since the apparatus 180a and the apparatus 180 are substantially identical, many of the reference characters will be the same.

The apparatus 180a differs from the previouslydescribed apparatus 180 in that the previouslydescribed band 182 is separated into two band segments 182a and 132b, each of which extends substantially halfway around the tube 30 of the tubing string 22. The band 182a is formed at 186a and 188a to receive a conduit 36 at each point between the band segment 182a and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30. Similarly, the band segment 1 82b is formed at 186b and 18817 to receive a conduit 36 at each point between the band segment 182b and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30. A liner segment 184a is interposed between the band segment 182a and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and conduits 36 which are received respectively at 186a and 188a. A liner segment 184b is interposed between the band segment 182k and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36 which are respectively received at 186k and l88b. The liner segments 184a and 184b are preferably formed ef an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other appropriate synthetic resin. The liner segments 184a and 184may be applied to the band segments 182a and 182b, respectively, by a process such as dip-coating, or

may be in the form of separate sleeve segments sized to partially encircle the tube 30 and each conduit 36 as shown. i

The first end portion 192a of the band segment 182a and the second end portion 2001av of band segment l82b are interconnected by means of a locking device identical to the previously-described locking device illustrated in FIG. 12. Similarly, the first end portion 19% of band segment 18212 and the second end portion 200 a of band segment 182a are also interconnected by means of a locking device identical to the previouslydescribed locking device as illustrated in FIG. 12. Since the locking device of apparatus 180 as shown in FIG. 12 is described in great detail above, it will not be described again here.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF 171G213 The operation of the apparatus 180a is substantially the tube 30 with the conduits 36 disposed within the band segments at 186, a, 188b,-and 186b, and l88a.

The liner segments 184a and 184b are interposed be- I tween the respective band segments 182a and '182b and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36. The end portions 192a and 200b, and the end portions l92b and 200a are then secured together by means Of the legs 226 of the two sets of locking pins 218 and 220 in a manner identical to that described above for the apparatus 180. It is readly apparent that the apparatus 180a is capable of securing up to four conduits 36 to a tube 30 of a tubing string 22.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 14

The apparatus of FIG. 14 is generally designated'by the reference character 1800 and comprises components identical to those of the apparatus'l80 disclosed in FIG. 12. Since the apparatus lc and the apparatus are substantially identical, many of thereference characters will be the same.

The apparatus 180c differs from the previouslydescribed apparatus 180 only in the construction of two slightly modified identical locking pins 2180 and 2200. Each of the locking pins 2180 and 2200 comprises a head portion 2220 with an aperture 2240 formed therein and a tapered leg 2260 which extends from the head portion 2220 When properly installed in the apparatus 1800, the leg 2260 of the locking pin 2180 extends downwardly through the pin-engaging loops 212, 206, and 214, and the leg 2260 of the locking pin 2200 extends upwardly through the pinengaging loops 210, 216, and 208. The edges 2280 and 2300 of each tapered leg 2260 are tapered slightly inwardly as they extend away from 4he head portion 2220 of each locking pin 2180 and 2200.

It is readily apparent that as the locking pin 2180 is inserted downwardly, and the locking pin 2200 is inserted upwardly, through the above-mentioned pinengaging loops, the first and second end portions 192 and 200 of the band 182 are drawn together by welding action thereby rigidly securing the apparatus 1800 to the tube 30. When the locking pins 2180 and 2200 are fully inserted into the pin-engaging loops, mutually engageable tongue-and-groove surfaces 234, formed respectively on the end portions 236 of each tapered leg 2260 of each locking pin 2180 and 2200 releasibly engage the end portions of the locking pins 2180 and 2200 to secure the locking pins in proper position. It is preferable that the head portion 2220 of each locking pin 2180 and 2200 be shaped with a rounded contour to provide a smooth blending of the surface of the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 into the apparatus 1800 to minimize interference with adjacent tubing strings within the oil well during removal or insertion thereof.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 14

The operation of the apparatus l800'illustrated in FIG. 14 is identical to the operation of the apparatus 180 illustrated in FIG. 12 and, therefore, need not be described in detail again. 1

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIENT OF FIGS. 15 and 16 FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another form of band 240 suitable for use with any of the aforementioned apparatus 20, 100, a 20b, 180, 1800, and 1800. In this form, the band 240 has formed therein a plurality of dimpee 242 which-extend inwardly from the band 240 to engage the outer periphery 42 of a tube 30 of a tubing string 22. As best shown in FIG. 16, the dimples 242 be desirable to use the band 240 in combination withv a resilient liner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 17 AND 18 Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention which is generally designated by the reference character 250. The apparatus 250 is installed ona tube 30 of a tubing string 22 and preferably comprises a metallic band 252, preferably formed of relatively thin guage sheet steel, which encircles the tube 30. A liner 254 is interposed between the band 252 and the outer periphery 42 of the tube 30 and the conduits 36, and is preferably formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or some other suitable synthetic resin. The liner 254 may be applied to the band 252 by a process such as dipcoating, or may be in the form of a separate sleeve sized to encircle the tube 30 and each conduit 36 as shown in FIG. 18. As also shown in FIG. 18, the band 252 has suitable corrugations formed therein at 256 and 258 to securely receive the respective conduits 36 with the liner 254 interposed therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first end portion 260 of the band 252 is suitably bent to form a .I-shaped first locking bracket 262. Similarly, the second end portion 264 of the band 252 is suitably bent to form a J-shaped second locking bracket 266. As shown in FIG. 17, apertures 268 and 270 are formed in the first locking bracket 262, while apertures 272 and 274 are formed in the second locking bracket 266.

A pair of identically shaped locking pins or keys 276 and 278 are utilized to secure the apparatus 250 rigidly to the tube 30. The locking pins 276 and 278 each comprise a U-shaped stamped steel member having a head portion 280 with an aperture 282 formed therein and legs 284 and 286 extending from the head portion 280. An inwardly extending lip 288 is formed on the inner surface of each leg 284 and 286.

When installed on the apparatus 250, the legs 284 and 286 of the locking pin 276 are disposed respectively in the first locking bracket 262 and the second locking bracket 266. Likewise, the legs 284 and 286 of the locking pin 278 are disposed respectively in the second locking bracket 266 and the first locking bracket 262. It will be readily apparent that the locking pin 276 is placed in proper position by sliding it downwardly with the legs 284 and 286 thereof engaging the locking brackets 262 and 266 respectively, while the locking pin 278 is placed in proper position by sliding it upwardly with the legs 284 and 286 thereof engaging the second locking bracket 266 and the first locking bracket 262 respectively. When the locking pin 276 is fully seated in the apparat0s 250, as shown in FIG. 17, the lip 288 formed on the leg 284 engages the aperture 268 in the firstlocking bracket 262 and the lip 288 on the leg 286 engages the aperture 272 in the second locking bracket 266. Similarly, when the locking pin 278 is fully seated, as shown in FIG. 17, the lip 288 on the leg 286 engages the aperture 270 in'the first locking bracket 262 and the lip 288 on the leg 284 engages the aperture 274 in the second locking bracket 266. The engagement of the apertures 268, 270, 272, and 274 by the lips 288, as described above, securely retains the locking pins 276 and 278 in their fully seated positions thereby rigidly securing the apparatus 260 to the tube 30 of the tubing string 22.

The apertures 282 formed in the locking pins 276 and 278 are provided to facilitate the extraction of the locking pins for removal ofthe apparatus 250 from the tube 30.The head portion 280 of each locking pin is It should be noted that the positioning of the corrugations 256 and 258 in the band 252, as best shown in FIG. 18, provides optimum smoothness of contour between the band 252 and the locking pins 276 and 278. It may, however, be desirable, in certain applications, to position corrugations elsewhere in the band 252 or to provide one or more corrugations in addition to those shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIGS. 17 AND 18 The operation of the apparatus 250 is substantially identical to that of the apparatus 20 described in great detail above, and, therefore, need not be described again.

From the foregoing detailed description of the various embodiments of the present invention, it can be readily seen that the present invention provides an improved apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string for emplacement downhole in an oil well, such apparatus having sufficient strength to withstand drag or strain as the tubing string is raised or lowered therein. It may further be readily seen'that the apparatus of the present invention may be readily installed or removed from a tubing string with a minimum of manual effort and that the configuration of the apparatus minimizes thepossibility of the apparatus interfering with or being interfered with by adjacent tubing strings in a common oil well casing environment. It is also readily apparent that the present invention provides an apparatus for securing small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string which is economical in construction and operation.

Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts or elements of the various embodiments as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inention.

What is claimed is: I 1. An apparatus for securing a small diameter conduit to a large diameter tubing string or the like comprising:

a band havinga first end and a second end and encircling said tubing stringwith the first end adjacent "to said second end thereof;

a first connecting means formed on the first end of said band for connecting the first end to the second 7 end of said band;

a'secon'd connecting means formed on the second end of said band for connecting the second end to the first end of said band; I

' a'locking means engageablewith said first and second connecting means for urging saidfirst and second connecting means relatively together and locking said band securely to said tubing string;

said locking means comprising a first connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means, a second connecting pin means having tapered surfaces tormed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means whereby movement of said first and second connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said-band increasingly tightens said band on said tubing string;

said connecting pins characterized to include a first retaining lip formed on one end of said first connecting pin means and a second retaining lip terized to include:

formed on one end of said second connecting pin means and said first and second retaining lips being mutually engageable with one another to retain said first and second connecting pin means in posi- 5 tion securely locking said band and said conduit to said tubing string; and

a conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to said tubing string when said locking means is locking said band securely to said tubing string.

' 2. An apparatus for securing a small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string having sufficient strength to withstand strain in a turbulent environment and which can be readily installed or removed from said tubing string or the like said apparatus comprising:

a band formed of thin gauge sheet metal having a first end and a second end and encircling said tubing string with the first end adjacent to said second end thereof;

a first connecting means'formed on the first end of said band for connecting the first end to the second end of said band;

a second connecting means formed on the second end of said band dor connecting the second end to the first end of said band;

a locking means engageable with said first and second connecting means for urging said first and second connecting means relatively together and locking said band securely to said tubing; each of said connecting means having a plurality of locking means engaging surfaces formedso that said surfaces and locking means have an angular relationship such that the locking means and surfaces progressively engage to releasably secure said band to said tubing string by a uniform wedging action to minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent tubing strings; there being at least one pair of locking means engaging surfaces on each end of said band in alternating spaced relation so that the surfaces on one end of said band mesh with the surfaces on the other end of said band; and I a conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to' said tubing string when said locking means is locking said band securely to said tubing string.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further characresilient liner means disposed between said band and said tubing string for providing increased frictional engagement of said tubing string bysaid band. I

locking means is further characterized to include:

first connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means; second connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means; and v. whereby movement of said first and second connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said band increasingly tightens said band on said tubing string. i 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include: i

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said a plurality of inwardly extending dimples formed in said band and engaging said tubing string.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include;

a resilient liner interposed between said band and said tubing string.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein sid first and second connecting pin means are shaped such that the exposed surfaces thereof provide a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include:

a first retaining lip formed on one tapered surface of said first connecting pin means and engageable with said first connecting means; and

a second retaining lip formed on one tapered surface of said second connecting pin means and engageable with said second connecting means.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include:

a first band segment upon which said first connecting means is formed;

a second band segment upon which said second connecting means is formed; and

hinge means interconnecting said first and second band segments intermediate said first and second connecting means for enabling said first band segment to pivot relative to said second hand segment.

10. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include:

a first band segment upon which said first connecting means is formed; a second band segment upon which said second connecting means is formed; and hinge means interconnecting said first and second band segments intermediate said first and second connecting means for enabling said first band segment to pivot relative to said second band segment; and wherein said first and second connecting pin means are each further characterized to include:

a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surfaceof said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means. 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include:

a first band segment upon one end of which said first connecting means is formed; a second band segment upon one of which said second connecting means is formed;

third connecting means formed on the end of said second band segment opposite said second connecting means; and

fourth connecting means formed on the end of said first band segment opposite said first connecting means; and

wherein said apparatus is further characterized to include:

third connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said third and fourth connecting means and urging said third and fourth connecting means relatively together and locking said first and second band segments securely to said tubing string;

fourth connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said third and fourth connecting means and urging said third and fourth connecting means relatively together and locking said first and second band segments securely to said tubing string; and

whereby movement of said third and fourth connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said band increasingly tightens said band around said tubing string; and

at least one additional conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to said tubing string when said first and second band segments are securely locked to said tubing string.

12. The apparatus as defined in claimed 11 wherein said first and second connecting pin means are each further characterized to include:

a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means; and

wherein said third and fourth connecting pin means are each further characterized to include:

a head portion having a relatively smoothly con toured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said third and fourth connecting means.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said locking means is further characterized to include a locking means is characterized to include a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means to minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent tubing strings. 

1. An apparatus for securing a small diameter conduit to a large diameter tubing string or the like comprising: a band having a first end and a second end and encircling said tubing string with the first end adjacent to said second end thereof; a first connecting means formed on the first end of said band for connecting the first end to the second end of said band; a second connecting means formed on the second end of said band for connecting the second end to the first end of said band; a locking means engageable with said first and second connecting means for urging said first and second connecting means relatively together and locking said band securely to said tubing string; said locking means comprising a first connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means, a second connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means whereby movement of said first and second connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said band increasingly tightens said band on said tubing string; said connecting pins characterized to include a first retaining lip formed on one end of said first connecting pin means and a second retaining lip formed on one end of said second connecting pin means and said first and second retaining lips being mutually engageable with one another to retain said first and second connecting pin means in position securely locking said band and said conduit to said tubing string; and a conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to said tubing string when said locking means is locking said band securely to said tubing string.
 2. An apparatus for securing a small diameter conduit to a larger diameter tubing string having sufficient strength to withstand strain in a turbulent environment and which can be readily installed or removed from said tubing string or the like said apparatus comprising: a band formed of thin gauge sheet metal having a first end and a second end and encircling said tubing string with the first end adjacent to said second end thereof; a first connecting means formed on the first end of said band for connecting the first end to the second end of said band; a second connecting means formed on the second end of said band dor connecting the second end to the first end of said band; a locking means engageable with said first and second connecting means for urging said first and second connecting means relatively together and locking said band securely to said tubing; each of said connecting means having a plurality of locking means engaging surfaces formed so that said surfaces and locking means have an angular relationship such that the locking means and surfaces progressively engage to releasably secure said band to said tubing string by a uniform wedging action to minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent tubing strings; there being at least one pair of locking means engaging surfaces on each end of said band in alternating spaced relation so that the surfaces on one end of said band mesh with the surfaces on the other end of said band; and a conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to said tubing string when said locking means is locking said band securely to said tubing string.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 further characterized to include: resilient liner means disposed between said banD and said tubing string for providing increased frictional engagement of said tubing string by said band.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said locking means is further characterized to include: first connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means; second connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said first and second connecting means; and whereby movement of said first and second connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said band increasingly tightens said band on said tubing string.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include: a plurality of inwardly extending dimples formed in said band and engaging said tubing string.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include; a resilient liner interposed between said band and said tubing string.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein sid first and second connecting pin means are shaped such that the exposed surfaces thereof provide a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 further characterized to include: a first retaining lip formed on one tapered surface of said first connecting pin means and engageable with said first connecting means; and a second retaining lip formed on one tapered surface of said second connecting pin means and engageable with said second connecting means.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include: a first band segment upon which said first connecting means is formed; a second band segment upon which said second connecting means is formed; and hinge means interconnecting said first and second band segments intermediate said first and second connecting means for enabling said first band segment to pivot relative to said second band segment.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include: a first band segment upon which said first connecting means is formed; a second band segment upon which said second connecting means is formed; and hinge means interconnecting said first and second band segments intermediate said first and second connecting means for enabling said first band segment to pivot relative to said second band segment; and wherein said first and second connecting pin means are each further characterized to include: a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means.
 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said band is further characterized to include: a first band segment upon one end of which said first connecting means is formed; a second band segment upon one of which said second connecting means is formed; third connecting means formed on the end of said second band segment opposite said second connecting means; and fourth connecting means formed on the end of said first band segment opposite said first connecting means; and wherein said apparatus is further characterized to include: third connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said third and fourth connecting means and urging said third and fourth connecting means relatively together and locking said first and second band segments securely to said tubing string; fourth connecting pin means having tapered surfaces formed thereon for engaging said third and fourth connecting means and urging said third and fourth connecting means relatively together and locking said first and second band segments securely to said tubing string; and whereby movement of saId third and fourth connecting pin means toward each other and relative to said band increasingly tightens said band around said tubing string; and at least one additional conduit receiving means formed in said band for receiving said conduit between said band and said tubing string whereby said conduit is secured to said tubing string when said first and second band segments are securely locked to said tubing string.
 12. The apparatus as defined in claimed 11 wherein said first and second connecting pin means are each further characterized to include: a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means; and wherein said third and fourth connecting pin means are each further characterized to include: a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said third and fourth connecting means.
 13. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said locking means is further characterized to include a head portion having a relatively smoothly contoured surface whereby the exterior surface of said tubing string is smoothly blended into the exterior surfaces of said first and second connecting means to minimize the possibility of interference with adjacent tubing strings. 